Dementia, a medical term for changes in brain function, is different than age-related memory loss. Age-related changes affect only the memory, not how a person functions. Dementia, however, affects day-to-day function. Even with cues or prompts, a person with dementia may not be able to understand or identify information. Dementia, which has many causes, can present in different ways.
It is important for family members to realize the difference between age-related memory loss and dementia, and to not let dementia go untreated. Early intervention can be helpful, but once dementia is considered “moderate,” it is difficult to treat.
Dementia is characterized by memory loss and at least one of the following:
- Difficulty speaking, using words incorrectly and not understanding what a common object such as a spoon or toothbrush is used for.
- Personality changes.
- Confusion or disorientation.
- Difficulty processing visual information.
Categories of Dementia
The five general categories of dementia include:
- Degenerative: The most common type of dementia in this category is Alzheimer’s disease, which progresses gradually. Lewy-Body Dementia is similar to Alzheimer’s, but progresses rapidly and is characterized by increased falling and marked fluctuations in consciousness.
- Vascular: Caused by the occurrence of one or more strokes; small blood vessel disease or the absence of oxygen to the brain.
- Traumatic: Caused by a blow to the head or a fall.
- Infectious: Otherwise known as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, this type of dementia occurs very rapidly and is fatal. Infectious dementia also can occur in late stages of AIDS.
- Toxic: Caused by alcohol abuse or exposure to harsh compounds or chemotherapy treatments.
Other factors such as poor sleep, stress, dehydration, nutritional deficiencies, anxiety, depression and chronic illnesses such as fibromyalgia, lupus or infection can also make the brain function less efficiently. If a person has difficulty concentrating and paying attention, he or she will then have trouble with memory because the information to be remembered does not reach the brain in the first place.
Occupational Therapy Can Help Patients with Dementia
First, a primary care physician should complete a physical exam of the patient. After that, it may be appropriate to work with an occupational therapist to address and assist the patient and family members with any functional problems. An occupational therapist will perform a thorough evaluation to see how well the person can complete daily living tasks; participate in activities; learn new skills and improve existing skills. Treatment is based on the findings of these evaluations. Education, memory strategies, brain stimulating tasks, homework, adaptive devices and safety are just a few of the areas occupational therapists can assist with.
Additionally, caregiver training is part of the occupational therapy and intervention and education processes. It is painful to watch a loved one’s function decline, and changes in his or her personality can be overwhelming. Adult children and other family members may have to intervene, and often must make difficult decisions regarding driving privileges and financial matters. They may also need to provide constant care.
EntireCare Experts
The therapists and specialists of Northern Arizona Healthcare’s EntireCare Rehab & Sports Medicine department have the education and hands-on experience required to provide comprehensive, individualized treatment plans and therapies.
Each specific type of therapy − occupational, physical, hand and speech − is considered a specialty, and plays an important role in the rehabilitation process. The EntireCare team functions as a cohesive unit, where all members share information and knowledge. The ultimate goal is the patient’s improvement and return to the highest possible functioning level. Choosing EntireCare means patients also have access to a myriad of additional services, such as advanced facilities, technology and equipment.
To make an appointment at one of our Flagstaff locations, call 928-773-2125.
- Flagstaff Medical Center: 1215 N. Beaver St. The outpatient therapy center includes a large exercise gym; private rooms for hand; wound; electrical stimulation and other treatments; an above-ground therapeutic pool; group exercise classes and more.
- East Flagstaff: 7810 N. Hwy. 89, Ste. 280 (in the Elden Ridge Business Centre next to Subway). Full-time physical therapists provide comprehensive treatment options in a state-of-the-art facility. The clinic has both private treatment rooms and a gym-like area for patients to work one-on-one with therapists.
By Mickie Toutant, O.T.
Mickie Toutant, O.T., is an occupational therapist with the EntireCare Rehab & Sports Medicine department located at Flagstaff Medical Center. She specializes in hand and other upper extremity treatment such as fractures, arthritis, traumatic and repetitive motion injuries. She also works with patients who have neurological conditions such as head injury, stroke, post-concussion syndrome, as well as who have survived cancer. She earned a bachelor’s degree from College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minn. She is certified as an occupational therapist by the American Occupational Therapy Association and has additional certifications in neurological developmental technique, or NDT; Tai Chi; Graston technique; and dry needling.
EntireCare Rehab & Sports Medicine is a member of Northern Arizona Healthcare, which also provides healthcare services through Flagstaff Medical Center, Verde Valley Medical Center, Northern Arizona Healthcare Medical Group − Flagstaff, Verde Valley Medical Clinic, Cancer Centers of Northern Arizona Healthcare, Fit Kids of Arizona, Guardian Air, Guardian Medical Transport, Heart & Vascular Center of Northern Arizona, Northern Arizona Homecare, Northern Arizona Hospice and Valley View Care.
To learn more about the programs and services offered at Northern Arizona Healthcare, visit NAHealth.com. “Like” NAH at Facebook.com/NorthernArizonaHealthcare.